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Summary: The Bull Run Mountains are the most easterly chain in the Piedmont, and they protect the headwaters of two major watersheds: Occoquan and Goose Creek. Seven perennial streams originate in the mountains. Approximately 45 miles from Washington, D.C., the mountains are part of an important greenbelt around the nation's capital and are vital because of their proximity to ever-increasing population and development. The Bull Run Mountains are composed of rock masses of metamorphic sandstones called quartzite. They are remnants of an earlier erosion cycle that occurred when the whole Piedmont was level with their summits. The Bull Run Mountains' varied elevation, topography, soils, and hydrology contribute to a great diversity of habitats and species. These ridges provide an isolated, rugged highland terrain within the generally lowland piedmont. http://www.brmconservancy.org/ Trailhead: Exit I-66 at Haymarket and turn right onto Rt 55 west. From Rt 55, turn onto Turner Road. Go over I-66 and make an immediate left onto Beverly Mill Drive. Bull Run Mountain Conservancy is at the end of the street on the left. (Lat:38.8248 Lon:-77.7057) Trail Guides for Bull Run Mountain: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Bull Run Mountains Conservancy 703-753-2631 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review Great hike! The ridge path is probably always a little windy but still very enjoyable, and the view at the peak was absolutely awesome! The interior trails are more protected from the wind and where your more likely to see wildlife. Many kudos to the trail crew for having cleared the trails of trees within a few days of Frankenstorm! Great, quick hike, and convenient to Northern VA & DC. Took me 1 hour 24 mins to complete, with 930 ft elevation gain, at almost exactly 5 miles. That's a brisk pace, it'll take longer if you have a dog or kids with you as many did on the trail today. Muddy areas are limited to the lower lying parts, pretty fine even after on and off rains all day as you get higher. Error: Reserved Word Found: ; Hi All, We are working trail drainage and are making some progress. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the various projects going on. Check us out on our Website and our new Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bull-Run-Mountains-Conservancy/181333688585393 http://brmconservancy.org/index.html Nice hike. A bit muddy in some parts after 4 days of rain but not really as bad as i expected. I did "pretend" to not see the signs at the top of the Ridge Loop (there were a few other people with same idea, so i wouldn't worry about it) and continued about another 300-400 yards up the trail and to the left where there was a rock outcropping with an amazing 180 degree view of beautiful countryside below. Well worth it. Also some very interesting sites along the trail with informational placards marking historical civil war battle sites and structures. Some of which are still standing(though in ruins). Definitely recommend this one. great hike, first to submit a review for 2010. the ridge loop and ridge trail are nice but they have fenced off the end of ridge trail with a no trespassing sign. if you want a really nice view and an awesome place to eat lunch you will pretend not to see these signs and go around the fence. I really enjoyed hiking these trails. For those coming from the D.C. area, take a left at the Haymarket exit off of Rt. 66 onto Rt. 15 South. Route 55 West appears on the right after crossing over Rt. 66. Once on the hike, to get the great views, you can hike either Ridge Trail or Ridge Loop Trail to where it interconnects with Ridge Trail at Marker 14. If you're coming up Ridge Trail keep walking straight past Marker 14. After about a half mile you'll see pine trees on your left and open sky and eventually some rocky perches to get those great views of the partially forested farmland below. I want to second the warnings of the poster "Alex" below. Though I highly recommend verging off the Ridge Loop to see the views, which are spectacular, you have to be very careful. I'd say retrace your steps and make sure you find yourself back on the main trail where you started. Like Alex, I ended up on a trail that was marked (leading me to believe it was legit) and then suddenly disappeared. I ended up wandering around on paved rural farmland roads for quite some time. A beautiful area, but not what I bargained for when I started the hike. Bring a compass and if possible a more detailed map than what the conservancy provides. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Fauquier County Hiking, Fauquier County Trails, Fauquier County Hikes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||